CLOSING BELL

Dow 10611.84  +44.51, Nasdaq 2398.46  +9.51, S&P 1150.24  +4.63 

With fewer than 1 billion shares traded today shares were stuck in a narrow trading range.  For most of the day stocks traded to the lower side until a late day rally in financial helped boost the market to the plus side.

The S&P 500 which has had difficulties passing the 1150 resistance level actually ended up closing in-line with the 52 week high.

China said its inflation rate jumped +2.7% percent in February.  Rapid inflation could force China to raise interest rates. A rise in China’s interest rate could slow their economy and the world wide economic recovery.

Treasury's budget statement for February showed a deficit of $220.9 billion up +14% from the same period a year ago.  Interest on the debt has risen +17%.

Advancing Sectors: Financials +0.9%, Consumer Discretionary +0.6%, Materials +0.5%, Health Care +0.4%, Tech +0.4%, Telecom +0.4%, Industrials +0.3%, Utilities +0.3%, Consumer Staples +0.1%

Declining Sectors: None

Unchanged: Energy